Behind the Design: A Gilded Age Editorial
Styled shoots are more than just beautiful wedding inspiration—they are a chance for vendors to work together, try new ideas and bring a unique vision to life. Whether you’re a bride looking for fresh ideas or are just curious about how these shoots come together, styled shoots offer a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and creativity involved.
When it comes to wedding inspiration, few eras feel as luxurious and elegant as the Gilded Age. For this styled shoot, capturing the opulence and detail of the late 19th century was the focus. The result was a timeless, refined look that couples can draw inspiration from–especially if you are planning something formal, elegant or historically inspired.
This isn’t just a styled shoot—it’s a glimpse into a gilded dream.
The Vision: A Return to Gilded Elegance
The Gilded Age was all about luxury–grand architecture, ornate fashion, and artistic extravagance. That same feeling came through in every part of this styled shoot. It felt like a wedding held in a historic mansion, with stunning floral arrangements, vintage crystal, gold details and statement bridal fashion.
The color palette included ivory, antique gold, blush, and touches of deep plum–romantic and soft, but still right and opulent. Vintage tableware and classic stationery helped tie everything together. The cake, with its detailing and structured tiers, looked like it belonged at a Vanderbilt dinner party.
Stranding on the porch of the historic Printmaker's Inn, this photo reflects the architecture and style of the Gilded age.
The bridal bouquet reflects the colors of the Gilded age with a modern arrangement to inspire modern brides.
Each detail was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the opulence and style of the time.
Attention was given to every area to fully reflect the wedding day from beginning to end.
Why Styled Shoots Like This Matter
Styled shoots like this are an amazing source of wedding inspiration, especially if you are trying to determine the style for your big day. They also give wedding vendors the chance to showcase their talents, try new concepts and build their portfolios.
This shoot is proof that you can take an old-world theme and make it work in a modern wedding setting. From the color choices to the gown to the venue style, it’s full of ideas you can adapt to your own celebration.
Seeing guests celebrate in the background gives room for couples to imagine their wedding day with similar elements and theme.
Gold accents and vintage pieces showcase how the past can be transformed into a stunning modern wedding.
The bride and groom were dressed in time period clothing and jewelry showing the elegance of the time.
Vintage glasses and decor brought the vision of a Gilded age wedding to life.
Port Town Collective (PTC) expertly created environments to reflect the era of the Gilded age.
Final Thoughts
Styled shoots are more than stunning photos; they are all about storytelling. They allow vendors to slow down, focus on the details, and explore the art of creating an experience. After all, a wedding is not just an event–it is a love story. It is an experience filled with beauty and emotion.
This Gilded age styled shoot offers a stunning example of elegance and grandeur. And hopefully, it will inspire a few ideas for your own big day.
The talented vendor team that used their expertise and artistry to create this Gilded age wedding.
Concept, Event Design, Planning & Rentals: Port Town Collective (PTC) | Venue: Printmaker’s Inn | Production & Lead Photographer: Esther Griffin Photography | Floral Arts: Port Town Collective | Rings: 13 Secrets | Groomsmen Attire: J. Parker | Cake: Sugar Whisk Co. | Hair & Makeup: Nabia Beauty | Bar: Johnny Ganems
Looking for more luxury wedding inspiration? Read about more weddings on the blog here.
